Production Manager

See's Candies

Burlingame, CA

Pay: $100,000-$110,000/yr

Shift: Full time

**Work is Sweet!**

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

**Job Description Summary:**

This position is responsible for managing the candy making processes from raw materials to finished goods in accordance with See’s established standards of safety, quality, service, and cost. To manage operations personnel, equipment, raw materials, and execution of the production schedule to ensure an adequate supply of products to the Packing Department and Selling Divisions.

The pay range for this position is expected to be $100k-$110k annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

**Job Description:**

Position Responsibilities:

The Plant Manager is accountable for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a small-scale confectionery manufacturing facility, overseeing production processes from raw material receipt and preparation through candy manufacturing and transfer of finished product to the Packing Department.

The position ensures consistent execution of the production schedule and adherence to company standards for Safety, Quality, Service, and Cost. The Plant Manager leads and develops production personnel, maintains operational discipline, and drives continuous improvement in collaboration with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Planning, and other cross-functional partners.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong presence on the plant floor, sound technical judgment, and the ability to balance daily production requirements with employee development, food safety, equipment reliability, and operational performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Production and Operational Management

• Manage daily plant operations to safely and consistently meet production plans, product specifications, and customer service requirements.

· Translate the production schedule into effective staffing, equipment utilization, material readiness, and shift execution plans.

· Ensure the timely supply of compliant, high-quality candy products to the Packing Department.

· Monitor production performance, yields, waste, labor productivity, and equipment utilization; address deviations and implement corrective actions.

· Provide hands-on operational leadership during production startups, shutdowns, product changeovers, and troubleshooting activities to minimize downtime, waste, and product loss.

· Maintain accurate ERP transactions and production records, including material consumption, inventory movements, labor reporting, production quantities, and schedule adherence.

2. Safety, Quality, and Food Safety

· Establish and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with company policies, applicable regulations, and required safety training.

· Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, food defense, allergen control, sanitation, and applicable regulatory and certification requirements.

· Ensure production processes consistently follow approved formulas, specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.

· Partner closely with the onsite Quality team to address nonconformances, investigate incidents, implement corrective and preventive actions, and maintain audit readiness.

· Ensure production employees understand and follow food safety and quality requirements, with clear accountability for compliance.

· Lead safety huddles and operational meetings, communicate lessons learned, and promptly address unsafe conditions and at-risk behaviors.

· Ensure compliance with applicable environmental requirements and maintain required operational documentation.

3. People Leadership and Development

· Directly lead, coach, and develop two Production Supervisors, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and consistent management practices.

· Provide overall leadership for approximately 20–30 plant employees, fostering teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and a performance-oriented culture.

· Ensure adequate staffing and effective shift coverage; coordinate recruitment, employee transfers, and workforce adjustments with Human Resources in accordance with applicable labor laws and the Union contract.

· Manage employee performance, attendance, training, development, and corrective action in accordance with company policies and labor agreements.

· Maintain current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, skills matr